50K ELEPHANT
The distance of commitment and loyalty to the journey
Race Category
Running Stones
Finals Access
Distance
56.4 KM
Elevation Gain
2946 M+
Start Date
Saturday 9th January 2027
Race Start
Lam Vien Square - 05:00
Max Allowed Race Time
18 Hours
Introduction
Named after Nui Voi (Elephant Mountain), the 50KM course reflects a story of loyalty — a quiet quality that forms the foundation of every long journey. Like the mountain itself, this path is not about spectacle, but about steadiness and resilience, unwavering and grounded, like the Saola, enduring in silence.
Starting from Lam Vien Square, runners quickly leave the city behind, entering the signature trails of the highlands. This distance conquers two iconic peaks: Pinhatt and Nui Voi, each with its own rhythm and distinct challenge.
Relentless climbs, constantly shifting terrain, and technical sections demand focus and the ability to maintain a steady pace. There are few easy moments — only repeated steps, consistent, enduring, and unwilling to give in. Finishing at Tuyen Lam Lake, the 50KM is not just a physical test, but a measure of how loyal you remain to your decision from start to finish.
You may not always see the finish line.
But you keep going.
Sacred Peaks tell the stories of the past.
What story will you choose to write next?
Race Details
| 50K Elephant | SATURDAY 9 JAN 2027 |
|---|---|
| Race Date | Saturday 9 January 2027 |
| Distance & Elevation | 56,4km & +/-2946m elevation gain / +/-3038m elevation loss |
| Start Time | 05:00 AM |
| Start Line | Lam Vien Square |
| Transport | N/A |
| Finish Line | Clay Tunnel |
| Entry Inclusions | Race entry, athlete t-shirt, finisher medal, finisher tee, finisher certificate, fully stocked checkpoints, drop bag service, on-course medical support and assistance, insurance, drawstring bag, finishing refreshment-meal |
| Mandatory Gear | All runners must carry mandatory gear during the race. Details are on the Mandatory Gear page. |
| Start groups | N/A |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age on race day |
| Total Allowable Time | 18 hours |
| Cutoff Pace Required | 20:18 mins/km |
| Expected time first finisher | 05:44:00 (10:44 AM Saturday 9 January 2026) |
| Expected time final finisher | 18:00:00 (11:00 PM Saturday 9 January 2026) |
| Timing results (categories) | The following age divisions for both male and female will be used for race results (age as at event date is used to determine your age division): 18-19, 20-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+ |
| Awards & Prizes | Prize Money: Top 3 Overall male and female Trophies: Top 3 Overall and AG will be awarded trophies |
| Top 3 Overall male and female automatically qualified for the corresponding category at the 2027 UTMB Finals. *The slots to UTMB finals are not free. The athlete will have to sign up but they have a direct entry and do not need to ballot. |
|
| UTMB Qualifying | The 50 Nui Voi is a UTMB World Series 50K Event. Finishers of ELEPHANT 50K will receive 2 running stones. |
Course Description
The 50KM course begins at Lam Vien Square in the heart of Da Lat and finishes at the Clay Tunnel Tourist Area, taking runners on an unforgettable journey across two of Lam Dong’s most iconic mountains: Elephant Mountain and Pinhatt.
The race starts with cool early-morning roads through the city before gradually transitioning onto scenic trails along the southern outskirts of Da Lat. As the sun rises over the highlands, runners are treated to sweeping views of the city, pine-covered hills, and the northern side of Tuyen Lam Lake — a perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
From there, the course moves deeper into the forests of Da Lat, following peaceful trails beneath towering pine canopies and through lush jungle landscapes. Crystal-clear streams, fresh mountain air, and quiet countryside sections create a constantly changing rhythm throughout the journey.
The route then passes through the ethnic village of Gan Reo and its coffee plantations, offering runners a glimpse into the local culture and daily life of the Central Highlands before returning to the forest trails.
The true challenge begins with the ascent of Elephant Mountain (1,815m), a rugged and untouched massif known for its wild jungle terrain and rolling peaks. After conquering Elephant Mountain, runners continue toward the final summit at Pinhatt Peak (1,600m), where breathtaking panoramic views over Tuyen Lam Lake provide one of the most memorable moments of the race.
The final kilometers descend along beautiful lakeside trails toward the finish line at the Clay Tunnel Tourist Area, where runners complete not only a 50KM race, but a remarkable trail-running experience through the mountains, forests, and spirit of Da Lat.
GPX File
Download the 50k course GPX file below. Remember to ALWAYS follow course markings on the day of the race, as there might be slight alterations from the Course Maps and GPX File.
Last updated: 03/24/2026
- Single Trail – 40%
- Dirt Road/Double Track – 47%
- Tarmac – 13%
Aid stations are generously stocked with:
- Lollies
- Electrolyte drink (pre-mixed)
- Water
- Fruit
- Bakery goods
- Hot water, tea, coffee, soup
- Hot meals
- Toilets
Exact aid station stocks will be available to view in the Runner Guide. We cannot guarantee all goods will be available at all aid stations, so use the drop bag service and your support crew for any necessities.
Please note we are a cup-less event. In an effort to cut down on waste, we will have no drinking cups at aid stations. You will need to carry a cup or hydration pack with you. Limited stock of hydrations packs will be available for sale at the event merchandise, but we encourage you to purchase one in advance and use it in your training. First Aid will be available at each aid station, and at finish. There will also be roving first aid crews on the course.
Should you decide to pull out of the race at any aid station, kindly make your attention known to the aid station’s crews or specifically to our technical commissioners present at every aid station.
There will be toilet facilities at each aid station location
All Distances
Every runner will be provided with a Finish Line drop bag.
Finish line drop bags can be left in the designated area near the start line on the morning of each respective race. These allow you to have something warm at the start that you can then collect at the finish.
We love support crews almost as much as our runners at Vietnam Highland Trail by UTMB – you are always the most colourful (and loudest!) and a huge part of the magical atmosphere of the whole weekend.
You also have the very important job of getting your runners to the finish line!!
First job for support crew is to read the support crew section in the Runner Guide which will be available one month before the event. It contains important information you will need to know for the event.
To keep the event manageable as well as fair and safe for all athletes, please note that support crews cannot run alongside their runners at any point on the course outside (100m) of the aid stations and may only support their runners at specified aid stations.
Assistance are only allowed at :
- ASC: Goat Trail
- AS6: Maple Left
- AS7: Lam Ha Basecamp
- WS: Gan Reo
Pacers are not allowed for the 50K - ELEHANT